Seven Thai fishermen jailed

Seven Thai fishermen jailed

SURABAYA: Surabaya district court sentenced seven Thai
fishermen on Thursday to four months in jail for illegally
fishing in the Java Sea.

The fishermen, identified as Wan Chai, Chieng Aphan, Sombat
Tit Chom, Somsak Compo, Narung Panpet, Prayun Pra Pwat and
Peechar Sion, were arrested in March near the Masalembo islands.

According to prosecutor M. Akbar Armansyah, the fishermen
hoisted Indonesian flags on their boats in an attempt to deceive
patroling naval ships.

"The fishermen were found using illegal trawling nets which
damage the marine environment," Akbar, who earlier demanded a
seven month sentence, said. (nur/jun)